Peer Support Specialist

at Commonspace in Portland, Maine, United States

Job Description

Job description:

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) plays a central role in fostering a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment at the Portland Peer Community Center. As a team member with lived experience of mental health challenges or co-occurring disorders, the PSS offers one-to-one peer support, facilitates peer-led groups, and supports the day-to-day operations of a vibrant, participant-driven center. This role emphasizes empowerment, mutuality, diversity, and connection, helping participants access resources, build recovery capital, and develop supportive community networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one peer support grounded in mutuality, respect, and shared lived experience.
• Foster hope, self-determination, and wellness in all interactions with participants.
• Support participants in identifying strengths, setting self-directed goals, and connecting with recovery pathways.

Group Facilitation

• Develop and facilitate peer-led groups, workshops, and activities that support recovery, resilience, and community.
• Encourage participant involvement in shaping and leading group offerings.

Center Operations & Collaboration

• Contribute to the daily operations of the Peer Community Center, including welcoming visitors, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, and assisting with administrative or outreach tasks as needed.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the Center provides diverse offerings and meaningful opportunities for connection.

Resource Navigation

• Provide information and referrals to community resources, including recovery supports, social services, education, employment, housing, and wellness programs.
• Help participants strengthen their own support systems.

Professional Development & Certification

• Maintain Intentional Peer Support Specialist certification.
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and reflective practice.

Qualifications

• Required: Personal lived experience with mental health or co-occurring challenges, and a commitment to sharing that experience to support others.
• Preferred: Current Certification as an Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) in Maine.
• Ability to obtain CIPSS in Maine.
• Ability to build authentic, supportive relationships with diverse populations.
• Strong communication and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and uphold confidentiality.
• Team-oriented, reliable, and flexible, with a willingness to contribute to all aspects of Center operations.
• Basic computer skills and ability to document peer support activities.
• Ability to foster inclusive, trauma-informed, and empowering work environments.

Environment & Expectations

• Primary work takes place in Cumberland and Lincoln counties, with travel required between locations.
• Regular interaction with participants, staff, and community partners is expected.
• Must possess a valid Maine driver’s license and reliable transportation for work use.

Work Environment

• Peer-led, collaborative, and participant-driven setting.
• Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Center hours typically Monday–Friday, with some evening or weekend activities.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Purposeful Work: Be part of a team changing lives through housing and hope.
• Supportive Culture: Collaborative, peer-led, recovery-oriented environment.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, health coverage, and time-off benefits.
• Competitive hourly wage or salary, commensurate with experience and certification.
• Full health and dental benefits, generous paid time off practices, Employee Assistance Program, and more.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive, peer-driven work culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Commonspace is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability status, protected military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Mission

Commonspace is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to help improve the lives of d members who have been impacted by mental illness, substance use, homelessness, trauma, and poverty. Commonspace works to create shared spaces of care, justice, and recovery in all its forms. We witness and celebrate recovery every day, working towards a society where all people are valued, nourished, loved, and appreciated for their unique contribution to our shared and mutually dependent existence.